School News

The Michael and Karen Carsley Foundation recently awarded four scholarships to current De La Salle Collegiate students who have expressed an interest in technology. 

De La Salle Collegiate faculty members are expanding academic and technology opportunities for students through advanced training in AP coursework, engineering, business, and innovative new programs such as drone technology for the 2026-2027 school year.

Over 200 members of the De La Salle Family gathered at Oakland University to support MS Research through an annual fundraising walk. Spearheaded by teacher Ben Westphal, '16, and Vice-Principal Annmarie Michol, whose oldest daughter was diagnosed with MS as a middle-schooler, this was the largest participation ever since DLS began participating in 2021.

De La Salle Collegiate bus driver Lorrie Hawkins competed in a “Bus Rodeo” on Saturday, May 9, at the Macomb Intermediate School District Facility in Clinton Township and finished fourth out of 45 drivers. 

Senior Nikolai Zacharko was named the recipient of the Peter Mukhtar Live Generously Award, honoring a De La Salle senior who exemplifies Christian values, selfless service, leadership, and a commitment to family and community.

Malcolm Richardson is the Class of 2026 Valedictorian and will attend Carleton College in Minnesota. Curtis Yaek is the Class of 2026 Salutatorian and will attend the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). 

The De La Salle Collegiate STEM curriculum will be expanded during the 2026-2027 school year with a new class, Civil Engineering and Architecture. STEM Director Mr. Scott Husken recently completed 40 hours of training through Project Lead the Way. 

Eight students in the DLS HOSA Club, aimed at those interested in health careers, recently spent a Sunday afternoon earning their First Aid and CPR certifications. 

Senior Troy Nguyen is one of the top high school golfers in the state, will play collegiate golf. He is graduating summa cum laude. 

The DLS SAVE Club earned Emerald Status as part of the Michigan Green Schools project. The students submitted information on a variety of environmental projects around the school and within the curriculum.

As Senior Anthony Bitonti finishes his year as Student Council President, he reflects on his time as a student leader.

Alumnus Charley Bemiss, '15 was ordained as a deacon for the Archdiocese of Detroit on April 11, 2026. He attended St. Isaac Jogues in St. Clair Shores, and gave homilies at the parish's April 12 Masses. 

Alumni in the De La Salle Collegiate Pilot Medical Association met with several students interested in medical careers, sharing their experiences and offering opportunities for shadowing and more.

The Spring Blood Drive at DLS is Tuesday, April 21, DLS partners with the Red Cross for these efforts. 

Several of the Advanced Placement (AP) teachers are offering Saturday test preparation sessions in advance of the exam period which begins May 4. The effort is aimed at ensuring students are better prepared to achieve at high levels on their AP exams.

Dan Rohn is being inducted into the 2026 Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame after a 27-year coaching career built on leadership, relationships, and strong program culture.

Two seniors - an experienced competitor and a rookie - are competing together this weekend at the state HOSA finalss in Traverse City. The two are part of the 13-man contingent from DLS.

DLS is sending 13 students to the HOSA State competition in Traverse City, MI this weekend. This is nearly double the number who qualified in 2025.

DLS Science students visited the Oakland University Lab Sciences Dept to learn about possible careers. They also had two lab experiences. 

Several DLS students have been preparing to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and/or Confirmation during Holy Week on April 4 and into April. The DLS Campus Ministry team has been meeting regularly to meet with students to prepare them.

While the DLS AutoPilots did not earn a spot in the state 's First Robotics competition, they did earn the Spirit Award, celebrating their enthusiasm and teamwork. 

DLS announces the return of alumnus Josh Sinagoga, ’09, as Associate Director of Advancement and Associate Head Football Coach, bringing with him a strong background in collegiate athletics and a deep connection to the school’s mission.

Junior Gavin Velicevic is the Student Council President-Elect. He is actively involved in numerous aspects of the school, carries a high GPA, and plays varsity sports. 

Many of the upgrades and improvements made on the campus of De La Salle Collegiate over the past year were made possible through the generous support of those who want to see the school continue to thrive.

Senior Glenn Acre has left a lasting legacy to DLS - the introduction of volleyball. Glenn served as the Student Council Secretary, was a Kairos leader, participated in DECA, and also played tennis.

De La Salle Collegiate is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, honoring a century of forming young men through faith, brotherhood, and academic excellence. The Centennial will feature a series of special events and initiatives that bring the community together to celebrate its legacy while looking ahead to the future.

De La Salle Collegiate students attended Mass and made the Stations of the Cross at St. John Paul II Parish in Detroit. The DLS community has strong ties to Detroit parishes. 

The newly elected 2026-2027 Student Council officers are committed to strengthening school spirit and continuing the tradition of Pilot Pride. 

The DLS Robotics team finished 8th at its first district competition and is now preparing for the second round on March 27 at Troy Athens High School.

At the 2026 Michigan DECA State Conference, 13 De La Salle students were named state finalists.

The DLS AutoPilots are ready for their first competition of the 2026 season on March 13-14 at Milford High School. The team has been preparing for several weeks, testing their robot. 

While the DLS Mock Trial team didn't make it out of districts, the coaches and students feel they have a strong foundation of experience for 2027. 

The DLS Mock Trial team is competing in district competition on March 7 at the Macomb County Courthouse. The team has been preparing and hopes to return to the state competition. 

At the Annual De La Salle Collegiate Honors Banquet on March 2 several hundred students were recognized for their academic and extra-curricular activities. The top two students in each grade also received General Excellence Awards. 

The DLS DECA team is ready for this weekend's state competition in downtown Detroit. The action begins on Thursday with a written exam. 

Afternearly two full months of competition, the popular DLS Jeopardy Tournament concluded on March 3. More than 260 students competed in the two divisions. DLS Faculty member Thaier Mukhtar created the popular activity more than 20 years ago and creates all the questions used during the event. A variety of alumni, parents, friends of DLS, and DLS staff contributed prizes. 

DLS Mathematics teacher Catherine Leix teaches Math and Statistics, and has served as an Advanced Placement Calculus reader. She is a veteran teacher and her experience enriches the De La Salle Community.

Senior Joshua Wilson was a captain on the DLS Varsity Soccer team. He will graduate summa cum laude and plans to pursue veterinary medicine. 

Faculty member Mike Shortt, '04, has led the DLS Accreditation process and recently completed the third year of the Lasallian Buttimer program. Mike teaches Social Studies and also coaches. 

DLS once again was recognized as an accredited institution by Cognia, the national organization that provides accreditation and continuoys improvement services to schools worldwide. 

Senior Evan Kelley will graduate summa cum laude, and has an extensive list of AP courses and student activities. He is president of the DLS DECA team, and will be at state competition this spring for DECA, Robotics, and HOSA. He plans to be a science teacher.

The 2026 Richard A. Balgenorth Award for Higher Education has been awarded to Joshua R. Wilson. Wilson plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. 

De La Salle Collegiate is pleased to announce the appointment of Wendy Cummins to its Board of Trustees, adding a respected educator and longtime school community leader to its governing body.

DLS Art students created several inspirational and motivational cards, delivered to Children's Hospital of Michigan by students in the DLS HOSA Club. 

Senior Ender Straughen is described as a "Renaissince Man." He is involved with DECA, HOSA, Robotics, the DLS Concert Band, and Varsity Tennis. He is enrolled in five Advanced Placement courses this year, and will graduate summa cum laude. 

The DLS HOSA Team qualified for the state leadership conference in April 2026. Thirteen of the 20 Pilots at the Regional Conference qualified. 

DLS Engineering students visited the Detroit Auto Show, learning about a variety of engineering fields. 

DLS has been named to the Advanced Placement Honor Roll. In May 2025, 164 DLS students took 302 exams in 16 subject areas. 

Freshmen took the computer-based STAR Test, measuring reading and math skills. The STAR test is used throughtout the Archdiocese of Detroit. 

Freshman Michael Chris Daher was joyfully received into the Roman Catholic Church today through his Profession of Faith, supported by his parish community and embraced by the brotherhood and faith-filled environment of De La Salle Collegiate.

DLS HOSA Club members will be participating in the District Competition on Saturday, January 31, at Fraser High School. 

Catholic Schools Week (January 26–30) will be marked by a series of liturgies and Masses with De La Salle and Regina students, a freshman’s Profession of Faith, an Archdiocesan celebration at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, and continued Campus Ministry opportunities of Adoration and Stations of the Cross during Lent.

The DECA team delivered a record-breaking performance at the January 10, 2026 District Competition, with 38 of 49 students earning District Championship titles and advancing to the State Competition in March. Notably, 100% of participating seniors captured championships, highlighting the strength, leadership, and preparation of the DLS DECA program.

Please welcome Anne Hughes, our new Spanish teacher, to De La Salle Collegiate! With nearly 15 years of teaching experience, international study in Spain and Mexico, and a passion for student-centered learning, Anne is excited to bring her talents to DLS and become an active part of the community!

Senior Chris Lanni was the varsity tennis team captain this year, and is very involved with the National Honor Society, the World Cultures Club, and Campus Ministry.

Students in the AP Environmental Science course are developing a pollinator garden in collaboration with the Detroit Zoo. 

The DLS DECA team is preparing now for the January 10 District Competition. Nearly 60 students completed the online testing on December 2. The DECA freshmen and sophomores met with the newly-formed DECA team at Regina High School. 

The DLS Student Council and the DLS HOSA Club teamed up during December to raise funds to buy toys for patients at two local children's hospitals. 

DLS Anatomy and Physiology students recently completed an investigation into the role of the skeletal system in forensic science. Students learned how the bond length and mathematical formulas can establish a person's height. 

DLS Biomedical Science applied their knowledge of chromosomes to a class exercise to unscramble chromosomes and create a karyogram, which identifies genetic abnormalities. The "Disorder Detectives" searched for "Clues in the Chromosomes." 

Business teacher and DECA advisor Dennis Koch ’94 has led De La Salle Collegiate’s DECA chapter through remarkable growth, transforming it into one of the school’s most successful and dynamic student organizations. Under his leadership, DECA has earned statewide and national recognition while giving students real-world business experience, mentorship, and a strong team culture.

Three DLS students were commissioned as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist (EME) at the school's December 8 Mass, celebrated by Msgr. Chuck Kosanke, '77.

Alumnus Gene Bitonti, '93, an investment banker, shared his experiences with DLS students at the monthly Pilot Perspectives talk, sponsored by the DLS DECA Club. 

Senior Max Wyszczelski, Student Council VP and All-State Soccer Player, will graduate summa cum laude. Faculty members cite his leadership abilities and say "Max is a great role model of a scholar-athlete." 

De La Salle Collegiate musicians traveled to Albion College to participate in Band Day on November 1. The day included perormances as well as meeting with the school's music professors.

The DLS HOSA Club prepared 72 bags containing personal items that were delivered to the Mt. Clemens Salvation Army Center for distribution to the homeless with Thanksgiving dinners. 

Zackary Wagner, a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Competition has earned top academic honors in numerous AP courses while also serving as a captain for both the varsity football and baseball teams. Known for his leadership, humility, and dedication, he will continue his athletic and academic journey at Central Michigan University, where he plans to study engineering or finance.

The De La Salle Collegiate students, faculty and staff, and even members of the school's Board of Trustees are participating in a variety of Lasallian activities this fall, reflecting the school's shared dedication to developing the mind, body, and spirit of every student. 

The De La Salle Family participated in a Red Cross Blood Drive on November 13. The 43 pints collected will help 129 patients in the Metro Detroit area.

DLS Alumnus Anthony "Tony" Montana, Class of 2011, recently visited DLS and spoke to the Aviation Science class, taught by Mr. Greg Hoskins, about cross country flight planning. Montana is a Pilot for Delta airlines. 

More than 100 middle school students participated in the Third Annual Roger Ziemba Math Scholarship Competition. Ziemba, DLS Class of 1972, initiated the scholarship effort to advance interest in Mathematics. 

Senior Aidan Elher is one of the top students in the DLS Class of 2026, and has a full schedule of Advanced Placement courses. Aidan is involved in Robotics and DECA, and would like to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering. 

DLS STEM Coordinator Scott Husken wears many hats - teacher, coordinator, trainer, student, coach. He recommended the cutting edge Anatomage table, used by multiple disciplines, and also has taken courses to prepare for the engineering curriculum. 

Bill Burkhardt '03, has established a scholarship fund in memory of Evan Vaillancourt, '19. Burkhardt has pledged $250,000 for a scholarship to DLS for children from military families. 

Each morning, 14 8th graders take Algebra I at DLS, and will be on track for higher level math courses during high school. DLS provides transportation to the students' home grade schools: St. Isaac Jogues, St. Anne, and Immaculate Conception. 

The Fall Blood Drive is Thursday, Nov. 13. Donors should register using the link in the article. Successful donors will be screen for A1C levels as part of Diabetes Awareness Month. 

Gaspare LoDuca, DLS Alumnus '93, spoke to the DLS Class of 2026 at the annual 1926 Society breakfast at the Detroit Athletic Club. LoDUCA is VP for Information Systems at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and was previously in IT at Columbia University. He also serves on an advisory board at his alma mater, Michigan State University, where he earned his degree in Chemical Engineering. 

Andrew Corder, '27, scored his 32nd goal of the season, surpassing the previous record of 31 goals set by Brady O’Toole in 1987. He is closing in on O’Toole’s 74 career goals. With 65 goals as of today, he is on pace to break that record as well.

De La Salle Collegiate celebrated the grand opening of the Steve and Kathy McShane STEM Innovation Center, a cutting-edge space designed to inspire innovation and prepare students for the future of science, technology, engineering, and math. The center marks a major milestone as the school approaches its centennial, symbolizing a continued commitment to faith, excellence, and transformative education.

De La Salle Collegiate’s Annual Roger Ziemba Math Scholarship Competition, set for November 10, will award a record $60,000 in scholarships to the top three eighth-grade students, thanks to the generosity of alumnus Roger Ziemba ’72. Ziemba’s expanded support highlights his commitment to celebrating math excellence while opening doors for bright young scholars to join the DLS community.

The entire student body engaged in service activities at nearly 20 institutions in the Metro area. 

DLS Science teacher Mrs. Mary Balamucki spent time during the summer taking a course to teach the new AP Environmental Science course and also spent a week reading AP Biology exams online as an AP reader. 

Thanks to the Sam & Nada Simon Foundation, more young men can experience a Lasallian education rooted in faith, scholarship, and service. Their generosity is opening doors and changing lives across metro Detroit.

Of his team, Brad Robinson said: "We want to keep improving every day, both in the pool and as a team. The wins will come if we focus on the process.”

Jim Singelyn, ’90, longtime swim coach and teacher at De La Salle Collegiate, is leaving behind countless memories as he looks ahead to a new journey.

The DLS DECA team is already preparing for the 2025-2026 competition season, with its first in-person competition scheduled for December 2025 at Anchor Bay High School. 

The De La Salle National Honor Society has named the newest members of the prestigious organization. The induction ceremony is scheduled for Wed., Oct. 15, at DLS, at 6 p.m. 

Senior Malcolm Richardson leads the senior class with a 4.422 GPA. He has a full schedule of Advanced Placement courses for his senior year. Malcolm plans to pursue a career in engineering. He is the fastest runner on the DLS cross-country team, and also a strong runner for the DLS track team. 

The DLS Family will be participating in the 4th Annual "Steps for Scap" fundraiser on Sept. 14 to raise money for the Children's Tumor Foundation. The effort is in memory of the late Alex Scapini, '16, who suffered from a condition for which there is no cure. 

Senior Gabe Enghauser spent eight days this summer at the invitation only Huntsville Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. Gabe is an aspiring astronaut and and is the founder of the DLS Rocketry Club and a key member of the DLS Robotics team. 

Staying true to its credo of “Builder of Boys. Makers of Men,” the high school recently constructed a 6,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art STEM center in honor of its upcoming centennial and to help uplift the next 100 years of De La Salle graduates.

From his humble beginnings at De La Salle to his present role at MIT, LoDuca’s story is proof that belief in one’s abilities and a strong work ethic can take you further than you ever imagined

De La Salle Collegiate celebrates five consecutive years of growth in AP success, with 73.17% of students scoring 3 or higher in 2024—a 7.49% increase from last year.

Though the Steve and Kathy McShane STEM Innovation Center won’t officially open until the 2025-26 school year, it’s already inspiring students like senior Gabriel Enghauser, who is using De La Salle’s growing STEM resources to design a wildfire-detecting drone. With cutting-edge tools like the Anatomage Table, the school is quickly becoming a leader in STEM education and innovation.

DLS Counselor Monique Cardenas received the Golden Guide Award from the University of Notre Dame. The award recognizes counselors for excellence in advising students in the college search and application process. 

Monsignor Charles Kosanke, a graduate of the class of 1977, and the current pastor and rector of the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit has been named the 2026 Christian Brothers’ honoree.

Founded in 2019 by De La Salle Collegiate alumni director Vito Chirco, Chirco & Co. has raised about $60,000 for charities, with a special focus on supporting the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan in honor of his father’s battle with kidney disease.

 Alumnus Jeff Graus, Class of 1995, is joining the DLS faculty and will be teaching a Cybersecurity class and Introduction to Technology classes. He will also head Campus Security and liaison with the City of Warren. He is retiring as a detective in the department's Fraud Division, specializing in online crimes.

The DLS Campus Ministry Department is hosting a Fall Kairos Retreat October 27 - 30, 2025. The deadline for payment and registration is September 19.

DLS is proud to announce the addition of a state-of-the-art Anatomage® Table to the Steve and Kathy McShane STEM Innovation Center, launching this fall! This cutting-edge 3D anatomy technology puts DLS at the forefront of biomedical education in Michigan, giving our students an unmatched, hands-on learning experience.

School Psychologist and former Counselor Mr. Andrew Campbell is returning to DLS as Dean of Students and Director of Counseling.